Search - Machito & His Afro Cuban Orchestra :: Vacation at the Concord

Awesome

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 09/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Machito and His Afro-Cuban Orchestra perform some great numbers on this CD. This CD track set was originally released on LP after these fine musicians recorded these numbers at The Concord Hotel in upstate New York. The quality of the sound is quite good; and the fine Latin beat of the late 1950s/early 1960s is captured beautifully on this album.



The track set begins with a lively number called "Guaglione." The horns and percussion carry the bulk of the melody and "Guaglione" is the perfect beginning to this album. "Cocktails For Two" sports an elegant melody as the brass works wonders for this number. You'll want to dance to this one for sure! Machito and his gang also perform a sublime rendition of "Patricia;" "Patricia" shines like pure gold in their competent hands. Wow.



"Me Lo Dijo Adela (Sweet And Gentle)" has great Spanish and English vocals that complement the melody very well. The horns broadcast this one straight out from the rooftops; "Me Lo Dijo Adela (Sweet And Gentle)" is another great number for dancing. In addition, Machito and His Afro-Cuban Orchestra perform a fine rendition of "The Continental (You Kiss While You're Dancing)." As usual, the horns and percussion carry the melody without a superfluous note.



"Cha-Cha-Cha Loco" begins with a brief cry from one of the band members and then the orchestra begins to play another rather lively number perfect for dancing. The chord changes for "Cha-Cha-Cha Loco" are somewhat more complicated and sophisticated that those found in the other numbers; this enhances the beauty of "Cha-Cha-Cha Loco."



Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. "Cotillion Mambo" gives us a faster tempo than some of the other numbers and this will leave you dancing happily--and begging for more! No problem, though--just hit "play" again on your CD player and you just start the wonderful track set all over again!



The liner notes have a great essay by Saul M. Saget; they appear to be the original liner notes from the LP release of this album. There are photos of the then very famous Concord Hotel, too.



Overall, this wonderful CD has great late 1950s/early 1960s Latin music for dancing. I highly recommend this CD for people who enjoy this type of music. You won't be disappointed!

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